Update on the May Day 2026 Anarchist Prisoners (Indonesia)

Since Wednesday (13/05/2026), police, through local media outlets, have claimed to have arrested 13 individuals accused of involvement in acts of vandalism during the 2026 May Day demonstrations in Bandung. One of the suspects, RR alias “Mpe,” was presented as the “leader of South Bandung Anarchists” and accused of coordinating acts of arson, property destruction, and the financing of the unrest.

Authorities have charged the alleged anarchists under provisions related to public security, including Article 308 on endangering public safety and Article 309 on criminal conspiracy and preparation of offenses threatening people, property, or the environment, under Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code (KUHP), carrying a maximum sentence of up to nine years in prison.

In addition, police alleged that the anarchists were under the influence of drugs during the demonstrations, presenting this claim as one of the moral justifications for their detention. The announcement has been interpreted as a sign of panic within the security apparatus, given that the unrest during May Day reportedly exceeded official expectations and failed to be anticipated by the authorities.

PS: Once again, the police are constructing a false narrative portraying RR alias “Mpe” as the mastermind or leader behind the action. Since last year’s arrests of anarchists, the Indonesian national Police (Polri) have repeatedly employed the same framing. There are also reports that RR alias “Mpe” is being blamed by the families of other detained participants simply because the others are younger. Do not let RR stand alone!